Q. India–Sri Lanka relations have evolved from historical and cultural closeness to strategic engagement shaped by geopolitical realities. Discuss the major challenges in the relationship and suggest measures to strengthen mutual trust. (250 words)

Q. The inadequate devolution of the 3Fs—Funds, Functions, and Functionaries—remains the biggest bottleneck in empowering PRIs. Analyse the challenges and recommend practical reforms for effective decentralisation. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the impact of displacement and rehabilitation on tribal communities in India and suggest measures for inclusive and sustainable development. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the representation of Shiva’s Tandava in early Indian inscriptions and its symbolic meaning in religious and artistic traditions. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q.1.Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. (1200 words)

Q.2.Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. (1200 words)

Case Study

Ananya Rao, an IPS officer serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber & Internal Security), is deeply troubled by intelligence inputs indicating a sharp rise in white-collar terrorism driven by the radicalisation of highly educated youth. Several recent incidents highlight this trend: engineering graduates developing encrypted communication tools for a banned extremist network, a finance professional funnelling cryptocurrency to foreign terror groups, and university students circulating extremist literature under the defence of intellectual debate.

Although strong digital evidence implicates certain tech entrepreneurs, academics, and online influencers in facilitating these activities, Ananya’s proposal for targeted surveillance, deplatforming recruiters, and initiating UAPA-based action faces intense criticism. Civil society groups accuse her of suppressing free speech and violating privacy norms. Influential educational institutions lobby political leadership to avoid “unnecessary scandal.” Media debates portray the crackdown as ideological policing rather than a national security imperative. Parents of the accused youth argue for leniency on the grounds of immaturity.

At the same time, central intelligence agencies warn that inaction may enable the growth of a covert terror ecosystem capable of cyber sabotage, financial crimes, and ideological infiltration of campuses. Ananya is torn between protecting civil liberties and addressing an urgent security threat. Her decision carries the risks of public controversy, political backlash, and potential legal challenges, but delaying action could compromise public safety and embolden extremist networks.

Questions:

A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya Rao in this situation?

B. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and ethical principles involved in this case.

C. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Ananya and their likely consequences.

D. Suggest the most ethical and administratively prudent course of action that balances civil liberties with the need to counter rising radicalisation and white-collar terrorism.

Q. What are the essential features of good governance? Critically assess how e-Governance initiatives have contributed to enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in India.(150 words)

Q. Explain how moral intuition and moral reasoning together influence ethical judgment. Illustrate your answer with examples from civil services.(150 words)

Q. "India’s road transport sector is vital for economic growth, but remains plagued by poor infrastructure and rising road accidents." Analyse the challenges in ensuring road safety and suggest measures to build a safer and more sustainable transport ecosystem. (250 words)

Q. Critically examine India’s evolving forest conservation strategy and suggest measures to strengthen it in the context of ecological and developmental challenges. (150 words)

Q. The India–US partnership has moved from a transactional to a transformational phase. Critically assess this evolution in the context of emerging global power shifts.(250 words)

Q. “Constitutionalism is not merely about limiting power, but about enabling good governance.” Examine how the Indian Constitution balances restraint and empowerment of the State. (150 words)

Q. How is digital technology transforming the nature of women’s participation in education and employment in India? (250 words)

Q. Discuss how the Quit India Movement marked a decisive shift in India’s freedom struggle, both politically and psychologically. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q.1.Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is. (1200 words)

Q.2.Wisdom is knowing the right path to take; integrity is taking it. (1200 words)

Case Study

Arun Mehta, an IAS officer serving as the Municipal Commissioner of a rapidly urbanising metropolitan city, is deeply concerned about the alarming rise in deaths and respiratory illnesses linked to deteriorating air quality. Recent reports from the State Pollution Control Board and a reputed medical institute reveal that particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are consistently 4–5 times higher than permissible limits, with a sharp increase in lung diseases among children and the elderly.

Despite these warnings, several influential construction firms and transport unions continue to flout dust control, emission, and waste disposal norms. When Arun proposes stricter enforcement and temporary shutdowns of polluting construction sites, he faces severe resistance from local politicians and business lobbies, who argue that such actions would “hurt development and employment.” Some media outlets label his measures as “anti-growth.”

Environmental NGOs and citizen groups urge immediate action, citing the constitutional right to a healthy environment under Article 21. At the same time, municipal employees complain of inadequate protective gear and poor coordination among departments. The state government, fearing public outrage, forms a committee to “study the issue,” delaying concrete action.

Arun must now decide whether to take strong punitive measures against violators and enforce pollution control norms strictly, or adopt a gradual approach to avoid confrontation with vested interests and political backlash. His decision will test his administrative courage, ethical conviction, and sense of duty toward public welfare.

Questions:

1. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Arun Mehta in this situation?

2. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and principles involved in this case.

3. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Arun and their likely consequences.

4. Suggest the most ethical and administratively sound course of action that balances environmental protection with developmental needs. (250 words)

Q. What does quotation convey to you in the present context?
“The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world.” — Bill Bullard (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by the term ‘crisis of conscience’? Illustrate with the help of an example from your personal or public life how you handled such a situation. (150 words)

Q.“Cloud seeding offers temporary respite from smog but cannot substitute long-term emission control.” Critically examine the viability of cloud seeding as a tool in India’s air pollution mitigation strategy. (150 words)

Q." Despite possessing substantial reserves, India’s rare earth sector remains underdeveloped." Analyse the strategic importance of rare earth minerals for India’s economic security and evaluate the key challenges hindering their optimal utilisation. (250 words)

Q. “India’s multilateralism is guided by both moral leadership and strategic pragmatism.” Discuss this duality with examples from India’s role in the SCO and BRICS. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the potential of Mission Karmayogi in transforming India’s bureaucracy from a rule-based to a role-based system. What institutional challenges could hinder its success? (250 words)

Q. A strong emphasis on state-led industrialisation and centralised planning marked the early years of independent India. Evaluate the influence of Lenin’s New Economic Policy (1921) on India’s approach to economic development and state intervention. (250 words)

Q. The Mughal era witnessed an unprecedented synthesis of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian art traditions. Examine how Mughal patronage influenced the development of the visual and performing arts in India. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q.Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.(1200 words)

Q.A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. (1200 words)

Rohit Kumar, an IPS officer serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in a northern state, has observed growing discontent among police personnel over recent promotion and posting decisions. Several officers belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) allege that they are routinely sidelined for key operational posts and denied timely promotions, despite meritorious service records. Officers from certain social backgrounds are often given preference for influential postings in urban and sensitive districts, even when more qualified officers are available.

An internal complaint by the SC/ST Officers’ Association highlights patterns of bias in performance evaluation reports (APARs), where subtle prejudice is reflected in lower gradings. The association petitions Rohit to take action and ensure fair representation. However, when Rohit raises the issue in departmental meetings, senior officers advise him to “avoid stirring caste matters” and maintain institutional unity. Some even warn that pursuing the issue could affect his career progression and invite political backlash.

The state government, facing public scrutiny after recent media reports on caste-based bias in police postings, issues a statement promising an internal inquiry. However, there are attempts to downplay the issue as “misunderstandings” rather than systemic discrimination. Meanwhile, affected officers feel demoralised and consider approaching the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

As a senior officer, Rohit is expected to uphold constitutional values of equality and justice while maintaining institutional discipline and administrative efficiency. The situation demands a careful balance between ensuring fairness in personnel management and preserving organizational stability.

Questions :

A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rohit Kumar in this situation?

B. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and principles involved in this case.

C. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Rohit and their likely consequences.

D. Suggest the most ethical and administratively sound course of action Rohit should take to ensure fairness and institutional integrity.

Q. What does quotation convey to you in the present context?
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke (150 words)

Q. “In the theatre of global politics, morality is often the first casualty.”Analyse the ethical dilemmas faced by nations when strategic interests conflict with humanitarian responsibilities. Illustrate with recent examples. (150 words)

Q. “The rise of AI-generated content has intensified the threat of misinformation and deepfakes.” Critically evaluate India’s efforts to ensure responsible digital governance. (250 words)

Q.“India’s startup ecosystem is dynamic but lacks future readiness.” Critically examine. (250 words)