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.

Case Study

A recent tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the State-run College and Hospital has sparked nationwide protests. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services to protest against this incident and the subsequent vandalism at the hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers, particularly women, within medical institutions.

As the newly appointed District Magistrate of the area where the incident occurred, you are faced with a complex situation involving public outrage, law and order, and the provision of essential healthcare services.

1. Identify the ethical dilemmas posed by the IMA’s decision to withdraw non-emergency medical services in response to the incident.

2. Propose a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of healthcare workers while ensuring that patient care is not compromised during such protests.

3. Evaluate the role of leadership in managing the crisis, ensuring accountability, and restoring public trust in the healthcare system.

Q. Discuss the solid waste management scenario in India. Highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving a sustainable waste management system. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the growing threat of cyberterrorism to India's internal security. Discuss the measures taken by the government to combat this menace. (150 words)

Q. The Right to Privacy has evolved through judicial interpretation. Trace this evolution and discuss its implications on contemporary issues like data protection and surveillance. (250 words)

Q. "Climate change diplomacy has emerged as a critical aspect of international relations." Evaluate India's position and contributions in global climate negotiations, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the contemporary relevance of Ashoka's Dhamma in the context of India's pluralistic society. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the impact of globalization on traditional Indian values and social institutions. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Economic progress cannot come at the cost of democracy and civil liberties.

2. The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a rural district with a high rate of female illiteracy and child marriage. A new government scheme has been launched to provide financial incentives to families who keep their daughters in school until age 18. However, implementation has been challenging due to deeply entrenched cultural norms.

Recently, you have received reports that some families are falsely claiming the incentives while still marrying off their daughters early. You must carefully analyze the situation, balance competing interests and take adequate steps to resolve this issue.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?
2. What actions will you take regarding effective implementation of the scheme and address other immediate social challenges?
3. What long-term strategies can be implemented to sustain the impact of the scheme and changing societal attitudes towards female education and child marriage?

Q. What is the 'ethics of care'? Contrast it with traditional ethical theories and discuss its significance in public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical significance of the 'Golden Mean' How can this concept be applied to achieve balance in public policy decisions? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of digital payments in financial inclusion and empowerment . Examine the challenges and opportunities in expanding digital financial services to rural India. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the causes of urban flooding in India. How can sustainable urban planning contribute to flood resilience? (150 words)

Q. Discuss key indicators of good governance and suggest strategies for its effective implementation at the grassroots level in India. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the root causes of child labor in India. Also, discuss the effectiveness of government programs in eradicating child labor. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the causes of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas. What measures can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with GLOFs? (250 words)

Q. Bhakti and Sufi movements are often seen as parallel paths to spiritual realization. Compare and contrast their basic tenets and their impact on society. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. There is a nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy and a grace in forgiveness.

2. When the winds of change blow, some build walls while others build windmills

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a rapidly urbanizing city facing significant infrastructure challenges. An intense monsoon has overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leading to widespread waterlogging. While coordinating relief efforts, you receive an urgent distress call about a gym in the basement of a high-rise building in a posh locality.

The heavy rainfall and inadequate water management have caused water to break through the gym's door, flooding the basement and rapidly rising. Reports indicate that several people are trapped inside. The situation is further aggravated by panic among the building's residents and a growing crowd outside. The scenario is critical, necessitating immediate action to carry out rescue operations, prevent further property damage, and ensure public safety. As the SP, you must efficiently coordinate rescue efforts, assess the evolving situation, and implement measures to mitigate the impact of the waterlogging.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What will be your immediate course of action to manage the rescue operations and ensure public safety?

3. What long-term measures can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future?

Q. Discuss the role of emotions in moral decision-making. Are emotions a hindrance or a help to ethical reasoning? (150 words)

Q. 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated’.- Mahatma Gandhi
Discuss the ethical dimensions of animal welfare in the context of India's socio-cultural and economic realities. (150 words)

Q. Examine the potential of the food processing industry in India to enhance agricultural growth and create employment opportunities. Also, identify the key challenges related to this sector. (250 words)

Q. Illegal migration has emerged as a critical challenge to India's internal security. Analyze the various dimensions of this issue, including its impact on demographic patterns, socio-economic fabric, and national security. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the doctrine of separation of powers in the Indian context. Discuss the challenges to its effective implementation and suggest measures to strengthen the system. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of "sharp power" in international relations. How does it differ from soft and hard power? (150 words)

Q. Examine the economic policies of the British East India Company and the subsequent British Raj. How did these policies shape India's agrarian, industrial, and commercial development? (250 words)