Case Study

You are a senior officer in a state government responsible for overseeing appointments to key public positions. Recently, the government has initiated a recruitment process for a high-ranking post in the education department, critical for implementing the state's education reforms. The selection committee has shortlisted two candidates. One is highly qualified with an impeccable track record, but they have been vocal in criticizing some government policies. The second candidate is less experienced but enjoys strong political backing and is perceived as loyal to the ruling party.

You are aware that the first candidate could significantly contribute to the education sector's growth due to his expertise, but his independent stance might lead to friction with the political leadership. On the other hand, selecting the second candidate could ensure smoother relations with the political leadership but may compromise the quality of governance. Your decision will have a lasting impact on the state's education policy and its future outcomes.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are ethical dilemmas in this case and what principles will guide your decision in this scenario?

3. How would you balance professional competence and political considerations in making a fair and just decision?

Q. Integrity and transparency are often cited as pillars of good governance. Discuss how these principles can sometimes conflict in real-world scenarios. (150 words)

Q. Explain the concept of ‘empathy fatigue' in public service. How can administrators maintain empathy while dealing with constant exposure to societal problems? (150 words)

Q. How does the development of reusable launch vehicles align with the objectives of India's Space Policy 2023? Discuss its implications for the commercialization of India's space sector. (250 words)

Q. Assess the impact of drug trafficking on India's internal security, with special reference to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle routes. What measures can be taken to combat this threat? (250 words)

Q. Analyze the importance of Parliamentary Committees in the Indian legislative process. Suggest measures to enhance their effectiveness in scrutinizing government policies. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the strategic importance of India-Singapore relations in the context of India's 'Act East' policy. How has this relationship evolved over the past decade? (150 words)

Q. The Chola Empire was a maritime power with a significant influence on Southeast Asia. Discuss the factors that contributed to the Chola Empire's maritime dominance and its impact on regional trade and cultural exchange. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the role of traditional Indian architectural principles in promoting sustainable urban development in modern India. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Justice and mercy dance on the knife-edge of circumstance.

2. The pursuit of knowledge is a journey to the edge of an expanding circle

Case Study

You are the district collector of a region known for its rich biodiversity and tribal communities. A major pharmaceutical company has approached the government with a proposal to establish a research facility in your district. The company claims they have discovered a rare plant species in the local forest that could potentially lead to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. They are offering significant economic benefits, including job creation and infrastructure development. However, the proposed location for the facility would require clearing a portion of the forest that is considered sacred by the local tribal community and is home to several endangered species.

The tribal leaders have expressed strong opposition to the project, citing their ancestral rights and the cultural significance of the land. Environmental activists are also protesting, warning about the potential ecological damage. On the other hand, many locals see this as an opportunity for employment and development in the economically backward region. As the district collector, you must decide whether to recommend approval for the project or reject it. Your decision will have far-reaching consequences for the local economy, environment, and cultural heritage of the tribal community.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What ethical dilemmas do you face as the district collector in deciding whether to approve or reject the pharmaceutical company’s proposal?

3. What approach would you take to resolve this conflict, considering the competing interests of economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation?

Q. Discuss the concept of moral particularism. How does it challenge traditional rule-based ethical frameworks? (150 words)

Q. "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference in ethical leadership." Comment on this statement in the context of public administration. (150 words)

Q. India's GDP growth rate has shown resilience amidst global economic challenges. Analyze the factors contributing to this growth and discuss the potential risks that could impact India's economic trajectory in the near future. (250 words)

Q. The concept of 'nature-based solutions' is gaining traction globally. Discuss how India can effectively incorporate this approach in its environmental policy and biodiversity conservation efforts. (150 words)

Q. Critically analyze the One Nation, One Election proposal in light of India's federal structure and diverse regional political landscapes. (250 words)

Q. Examine India's recent engagements with Central Asian countries and their significance for India's strategic interests. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of mudras in Indian classical dance and sculpture. How do these symbolic hand gestures convey meaning across different art forms? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of ocean thermohaline circulation and its role in global climate regulation. How could changes in this system impact Earth's climate? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

2. Beyond the horizon of doubt lies the dawn of understanding.

Case Study

As the event coordinator for the upcoming Global Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi, you face a complex challenge. The summit, scheduled to host a large number of world leaders and delegates from countries across the globe, aims to address critical issues of climate change, poverty alleviation, and technological innovation. However, just two weeks before the event, widespread protests have erupted across the city regarding the proposed sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The protesters, numbering in the thousands, have blocked major roads and are threatening to disrupt the summit, citing it as an opportunity to bring international attention to their cause. Your team has received intelligence reports suggesting that some protest groups may attempt to infiltrate the summit venue or target the delegates' accommodations.

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential involvement of groups with vested interests who may seek to damage the relevant infrastructure. As the person in charge, you must ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees while maintaining the summit's integrity and schedule. The summit's success is vital for India's international reputation and for progressing global sustainable development goals.

1. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What immediate steps will you take to ensure the summit’s security and smooth execution?

3. What contingency plans will you have in place if the protests escalate?

Q. Examine the ethical significance of 'intent' versus 'outcome' in public service. How should civil servants weigh these factors in decision-making? (150 words)

Q. How does the idea of 'moral agency' influence the responsibility of individuals in positions of power? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the impact of cyber-attacks, particularly Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, on the operational efficiency of online platforms and analyze their broader implications for public discourse and national security. (250 Words)

Q. Examine the role of nuclear techniques in the development of science-based global food standards. How do these techniques enhance food safety and contribute to food security? (250 Words)

Q. Critically examine the significance of India’s energy cooperation with West Asian countries in ensuring its energy security. What are the key challenges and how can India address them?? (250 words)

Q. To what extent have poverty alleviation programs in India been effective in addressing the challenges of poverty? Examine the role of political will in the successful implementation of these programs. (250 words)

Q. The level of excellence in Gupta numismatic art is not evident in subsequent periods. Comment. (150 words)

Q. The concept of secularism in India is flawed as it seeks to negate the importance of our cultural and religious heritage. Critically examine (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. When women are safe, nations are strong.

2. Poverty is not just about lack of money; it is about the denial of opportunities and choices.