Q. Discuss the relationship between power, knowledge, and compassion. How do institutional narratives constitute and limit the potential for genuine ethical engagement? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the relevance of Confucian ethics in promoting social harmony and administrative efficiency in modern governance systems. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the potential and limitations of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in driving inclusive economic growth and financial transformation in India (250 words)

Q. Examine the complex interplay between economic marginalization, governance deficits, and the rise of radical ideologies in India's left-wing extremism affected areas. (250 words)

Q. "E-governance is not merely a technological intervention but a complex socio-political transformation. Discuss how digital platforms can reshape citizen-state relationships. (250 words)

Q. Discuss how India utilized the G20 platform to advance its multilateral interests and its potential to reshape global economic architectures. (150 words)

Q. "The process of coastal erosion and deposition creates a distinctive suite of landforms." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. "The emergence of regional power centers in the 18th century was not merely a sign of Mughal decline but represented new forms of state-building." Discuss (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.

2. The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Case Study

You are the District Election Officer (DEO) in a politically sensitive district in India, where a local election is taking place. Just days before the election, a deepfake video of one of the leading candidates emerges, showing them making controversial comments about a particular community. The video is quickly shared across social media platforms, leading to widespread misinformation, increased tension between local communities, and several violent protests. The police are struggling to control the situation, and the election authorities are under immense pressure to address the issue.

As the DEO, you are tasked with managing the situation effectively. You must coordinate with local law enforcement, social media companies, and other stakeholders to contain the spread of the video and restore peace in the district. You also need to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future while safeguarding the integrity of the election process.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the laws in place to curb deepfake?

3. What steps will you take to stop the spread of the deep fake video and calm the situation?

Q Swami Vivekananda emphasized the harmony of spiritual and material values for societal progress. Examine the relevance of his philosophy in tackling modern-day ethical dilemmas. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in public leadership. Analyze how emotional self-regulation and social awareness can mitigate administrative challenges. (150 words)

Q. "Despite being one of the largest producers of agricultural products, India's food processing levels remain significantly lower than global standards." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. "Indian cities are increasingly vulnerable to disasters, yet urban disaster management remains inadequate." Suggest measures to strengthen urban disaster resilience within the existing legal framework. (250 words)

Q. The 42^nd Constitutional Amendment is often referred to as a "mini-constitution." Examine its impact on transforming the original constitutional framework. (150 words)

Q. How can India leverage its demographic dividend while simultaneously addressing the challenges of skill development and employment generation? Discuss with reference to recent government initiatives. (250 words)

Q. Akbar’s patronage of the arts, literature, and architecture fostered a unique Indo-Islamic cultural synthesis. Discuss (150 words)

Q. What impact do regional disparities have on India's ability to harness the benefits of its diverse cultures for national growth? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good

2. Science without conscience is the soul's perdition.

Case Study

You are a newly appointed Medical Superintendent at a government hospital in a tier-2 city, having achieved this position after years of dedicated service. The hospital recently received a substantial grant to establish a state-of-the-art cardiac care unit, a crucial facility as the nearest cardiac center is 200 kilometers away. During the procurement process for medical equipment, you discover that your immediate superior, the Director of Health Services, in collaboration with certain contractors, has inflated the equipment costs by 40% through manipulated tenders. The difference amounts to approximately Rs.12 crores, which could have been used to upgrade the pediatric ward that desperately needs ventilators.

When you raise this issue, the Director reminds you of your recent appointment and the fact that your spouse, also a doctor, was just transferred to this city after a three-year separation. He suggests that "administrative harmony" is crucial for your family's stability. Meanwhile, a reputed medical equipment supplier privately approaches you with documented evidence of the tender manipulation. You also learn that similar practices have been overlooked by your predecessors to "keep the system running." Now, you find your caught between ethical obligations and personal stability, and need to find a way out of this situation.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

3. What course of action would you take as the Medical Superintendent to address this situation effectively?

Q. "Objectivity in public service requires acknowledging one's own biases." Do you agree? Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Q. "Conscience is a necessary but insufficient guide for ethical conduct in public service." Discuss (150 words)

Q. How does the informal nature of India's workforce impact the goal of achieving inclusive growth? Suggest potential solutions for formalizing the economy while protecting vulnerable workers. (250 words)

Q. How has India's approach to environmental governance evolved since the Stockholm Conference 1972? Also highlight their impacts on biodiversity conservation. (150 words)

Q."The evolution of Lok Adalats represents a successful adaptation of alternative dispute resolution in India's justice system." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. "India's decision to stay out of RCEP while pursuing other trade agreements reflects a strategic balance between economic interests and security concerns." Discuss. (250 words)

Q. The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century laid the intellectual foundation for India's national movement. Comment (150 words)

Q. The Coriolis force plays a fundamental role in determining not just the formation but also the behavior and characteristics of tropical cyclones. Discuss (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Change begins not at the surface, but in the roots unseen.

2. Economic growth without environmental consideration is wealth borrowed against tomorrow.

Case Studies

Rajesh Kumar, an IAS officer, has recently assumed the role of District Collector in an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh. During his review of MGNREGA projects, he uncovers serious discrepancies, including incomplete projects and wage diversions to fake job cards. He finds that the local MLA, chairing the District Vigilance Committee, has been approving projects without proper verification, while a group of villagers confidentially shares evidence of corruption involving Panchayat officials and contractors. Notably, the previous Collector was swiftly transferred when attempting to investigate similar issues, and the influential MLA, closely connected to the Chief Minister, subtly suggests that cooperation could secure Rajesh’s tenure and potential rewards.

As Rajesh grapples with the situation, a local activist group files an RTI on these projects and threatens media exposure. They offer to share comprehensive corruption documentation but appear motivated by upcoming Panchayat elections. Rajesh faces a dilemma: conducting a thorough investigation would fulfill his duty but may provoke political backlash, impact his career, and risk disrupting ongoing development. Ignoring these irregularities, however, would perpetuate corruption and betray the trust of vulnerable villagers relying on MGNREGA for their livelihood.

Questions:

a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

b) What are the core ethical issues confronting Rajesh in this situation?

c) What course of action should Rajesh adopt to navigate the situation?