Mains Practice Questions

Essay topics

1. A great leader uplifts with innovation or enables others too.

2. Each one of us has both; good and evil virtues. Those who decide to focus on the good ones succeed in life.

Case Study

You are a superintendent of police in a district that has a high incidence of crimes against women, such as rape, dowry harassment, domestic violence, etc. You have been trying to improve the situation by sensitizing the police personnel, creating awareness among the public, strengthening the legal and medical support systems, etc. However, you face many challenges and constraints in your efforts, such as lack of adequate staff and infrastructure, political interference and pressure, social stigma and prejudice, media sensationalism and trial by public opinion, etc. One day, you receive a call from a woman who claims that she has been gang-raped by four men who are influential and well-connected in the society. She says that she is afraid to go to the police station or the hospital as she fears for her safety and reputation. She requests you to help her.

1 What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?

2. What are the possible options available to you to deal with this situation?

3. What would be your preferred course of action and why?

Q. What do you understand by the term ‘ethical competence’? Why is it important for a civil servant to develop ethical competence? (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by the term 'emotional intelligence'? How does it differ from general intelligence (IQ)? Explain with examples how emotional intelligence can be useful for a civil servant in dealing with various stakeholders.

Q. Discuss the concept of Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) and its potential implications for human health and reproduction. (250 Words)

Q. Recently, the RBI has withdrawn the higher value currency notes as part of its Clean Note policy. Analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of this step, considering its implications on the Indian economy. (250 Words)

Q. Analyze the significance of India-Australia relations in the context of regional and global dynamics. Suggest the measures to further strengthen the relations with Australia. (250 words)

Q. Recently, the Kudumbshree Scheme of Kerala has completed its 25 years. In the light of this, discuss the role of Self-Help Groups in promoting women empowerment and poverty alleviation in rural areas of India. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the impacts of permafrost thawing on global climate change and its implications. Suggest measures to mitigate the adverse effects of permafrost thawing. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of role of women in combating climate change. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.

2. Hero worship of politicians breeds polarisation of the masses.

Case Study

You work in a government office, and due to your expertise and trustworthiness, you have been selected to serve on election duty. Your role involves ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process by overseeing the polling station operations, maintaining the voting machines, and monitoring the conduct of election officials.

During the election, you observe a fellow election official who happens to be your good friend engaging in misconduct. The official is manipulating the voting process by favouring a particular political party, allowing unauthorized individuals to vote multiple times, and suppressing votes from certain demographics. You are aware that the actions of this official compromise the integrity of the election and violate the principles of fairness and impartiality.

How do you balance your duty to the election process with potential personal consequences?

Q. Examine the ethical challenges posed by the rise of automation and artificial intelligence in the workplace, including concerns about job displacement, inequality, and the need for retraining and upskilling. (250 Words)

Q. Analyze the ethical considerations surrounding the use of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas 9, in human embryos and its potential impact on future generations. (150 words)

Q. Forest fires have become a recurring environmental issue with severe implications. Along with the causes and consequences of forest fires, discuss the measures to mitigate the effect of such natural disasters. (150 words)

Q. In the recently presented Union Budget 2023-24, the government has introduced a scheme called "MISHTI" aimed at preserving mangroves. Discuss the significance of mangroves in addressing climate change and examine how this scheme will contribute to the conservation of mangroves in India. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role and functions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India and evaluate its effectiveness in combating economic offenses. What are the major challenges faced by the ED in discharging its duties, and suggest measures to enhance its performance? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of India's relations with Gulf countries in the context of its foreign policy objectives, regional stability, and economic interests. Highlight the strategies adopted by India to strengthen its engagement with the Gulf region. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of the Carnatic Wars in shaping the political landscape of 18th century India, with specific reference to the British East India Company. (150 Words)

Q. Cyclones are natural disasters that pose significant threats to coastal regions. Discuss the formation, characteristics, and impact of cyclones. (250 Words)

Essay Topic

1. Some people don't like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.

2. Power comes not from knowledge kept but knowledge shared.

Case Study

You are the CEO of XYZ Corporation, a multinational conglomerate. The company appoints a new manager, Mr. Rakesh, known for prioritizing short-term profitability and cost-cutting measures. Under his leadership, the company's financial performance improves, but ethical concerns arise.

Mr. Rakesh implements strategies that include capital infusion through debts and over pressurising the employees to work, resulting a significant increase in company’s profitability. Through his policies Company’s shareholder value started increasing and very soon, Mr. Rakesh earns a good reputation image in the eyes of the Board of the directors.

Gradually, the employees start leaving the company. During the initial inquiries you come to know that its Rakesh’s unruly behaviour because of which the employees are leaving. You also come to know that the policies of Rakesh will boost the profits for a short term, but they’re not suitable for sustainability in the long run. The cosy picture that Mr Rakesh has presented is not entirely true. He manipulates financial statements using regulatory loopholes, artificially inflating the company's profitability. This practice attracts investors but questions the accuracy and transparency of financial reporting.

What are the ethical issues involved and what options are available to you to handle this situation?

Q. What are the ethical dilemmas of prioritizing economic development over environmental conservation? (150 Words)

Q. Examine the ethical issues of government surveillance programs in the context of privacy and individual freedoms. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the factors giving rise to recurring internal security threats in Northeast India? (150 words)

Q. Global economy is seeing the phenomenon of de-dollarisation. What are the underlying factors driving this trend? In the context of India, what measures can be taken to address the challenges posed by de-dollarisation? (250 words)

Q. Analyze the impact of the pandemic on India's federal structure and the challenges faced by the Centre and the states in tackling the crisis. Discuss the measures taken by the government to strengthen inter-governmental coordination during the pandemic.

Q. Discuss the impact of social media on democracy and the challenges it poses to the regulation of online content in India. Analyze the steps taken by the government to regulate social media and suggest measures to balance free expression with the need to ensure accountability.

Q. Discuss the major tectonic and climatic factors responsible for the formation and evolution of the seven continents. How has geological history and plate tectonic movements shaped their physical and environmental characteristics?

Q. Discuss the similarities and differences in Tilak’s and Gandhi's approach to the Indian freedom struggle.