Case Study

You are a young IAS officer recently posted as the District Collector of Dantewada, a remote and impoverished district in the state of Chhattisgarh. Dantewada has been the epicenter of the violent Naxal insurgency, a protracted conflict between Maoist rebels and security forces that has claimed thousands of lives over the past few decades.

The Naxalites, claiming to fight for the rights of tribal peasants and the oppressed, have established a parallel system of governance in large swathes of Dantewada's forests and villages. They run their own courts, tax civilians, and have targeted government infrastructure and security personnel through deadly ambushes and landmine attacks.

Despite the heavy presence of paramilitary forces, the district administration's writ barely extends beyond the district headquarters. Most development funds allocated for Dantewada have been siphoned off by corrupt officials or remained unutilized due to the precarious security situation.

The situation in Dantewada is highly volatile, with regular incidents of violence disrupting governance and development efforts. As the senior-most civilian authority, you are under pressure to find an effective strategy to resolve this long-standing conflict.

In the above scenario:

1. What are the major ethical dilemmas involved in this issue?

2. What would be your priorities and action plan as the District Collector to restore administration and deliver development in this conflict-affected region?

3. Reflecting on this case study, what policy measures would you recommend for resolving protracted insurgencies through a comprehensive approach combining development, security, and grievance redressal?

Q.Define "Conflict of Interest" and explain how it influences the decision-making process of public servants. If faced with a conflict-of-interest situation, how would you resolve it? (250 words)

Q.Define "environmental ethics" and explain its significance. Choose one environmental issue and analyze it from an environmental ethics perspective. (250 words)

Q. Critically examine the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in bridging the infrastructure gap in India. Suggest measures to create an enabling environment for more effective implementation of PPP models in the country. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the major factors behind the persistence of Left-Wing Extremism in certain regions of India. Suggest strategic measures required to combat this threat effectively. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the roles and significance of statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies in governance, with examples, highlighting their impact on public administration. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance and impact of India's participation in bilateral and global groupings on its national interests, with suitable examples. (250 Words)

Q.What are the diverse forms of Indian folk paintings in India? How do they reflect the rich cultural heritage and socio-cultural diversity of the country ? (250 words)

Q. Define demographic transition and explain the concept of demographic dividend.Discuss the significance of India's demographic transition in the context of its potential economic growth and global competitiveness. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Education is not a destination, it’s a journey that never ends.

2. Liberty consists in doing what one desires.

Case Study

In the aftermath of a severe natural disaster, a community finds itself in a dire situation, with thousands left homeless and lacking the most basic necessities. Heavy rainfall and infrastructure damage have severely impeded rescue efforts, exacerbating the frustration and desperation of the affected populace. As rescue teams arrive at the scene, they are met with hostility and violence, with some team members being assaulted, and one suffering severe injuries. In the midst of this turmoil, there are pleas from within the team to cease operations out of fear for their safety.

In the above scenario :

A. Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

B. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation.

C. Suppose you are heading the rescue operations in that area, what will be your response?

Q. Discuss the ethical considerations and challenges in balancing private and public relationships, emphasizing integrity and accountability. Provide examples to support your arguments. (250 Words)

Q. Elucidate the impact of Swami Vivekananda's moral philosophy on contemporary societal values and its relevance in fostering ethical leadership. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the various investment models prevalent in India, highlighting their features, advantages, and challenges. How can these models be made more inclusive and sustainable? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the potential applications, challenges, and ethical implications of nano-technology in fields like medicine, environment, and communication. (250 Words)

Q. Compare and contrast the separation of powers, federal structure, and judicial review mechanisms in the Indian, US, and UK constitutional frameworks. Analyze their implications. (250 Words)

Q Discuss the impact of India's changing relations with its neighbors on regional stability and India's foreign policy objectives. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in India. How do the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism intersect and diverge in their approaches? (250 words)

Q. How does climate change impact the lives of women? Discuss the role of gender-sensitive policies in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. (250 words)

Essay Topics:

1. No citizen shall ever be wealthy enough to buy another, and None poor enough to be forced to sell himself.

2. Economic growth cannot be achieved at the cost of environmental destruction and people’s right to healthy environment.

Case Study

You are a District Magistrate (DM) of a rural district known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. The district has a diverse population, including various ethnic communities and tribes, each with its distinct customs and beliefs. The administration has been striving to balance the preservation of these traditions with the need for modernization and development.

Recently, a conflict arose between a government-led development project and the traditional practices of a tribal community. The project aims to construct a road through a forest area inhabited by the tribe, which they consider sacred and essential for their cultural practices. The community vehemently opposes the project, citing that it would not only disrupt their way of life but also harm the environment.

As the DM, you are caught between the mandate of the development project, which promises improved connectivity and economic growth for the region, and the ethical responsibility to protect the cultural heritage and rights of the tribal community. The local administration has received pressure from higher authorities to expedite the project, highlighting its significance for the overall development of the district.

In this scenario, discuss the ethical dilemmas you face as the DM and outline the steps you would take to resolve the conflict while upholding public service values and ethics in public administration.

Q. Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. How can emotional intelligence be developed and nurtured in individuals? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of probity in governance. How does it ensure accountability and transparency in public administration? Explain with examples. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the strategic, environmental, and international implications of a nation's nuclear programme, considering its impact on global security and diplomacy. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of ecological hotspots in biodiversity conservation. Examine the challenges and strategies for their preservation in the context of climate change. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of judicial review in upholding the principles of the Constitution. Provide examples highlighting its role in India's democratic framework. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of e-Governance in improving service delivery and transparency in India. How can it enhance citizen participation in governance? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of classical Indian music in preserving cultural heritage and fostering national unity. Provide examples of its influence on society. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of tectonic activities in shaping landforms. How do erosion and deposition contribute to the formation of various geomorphic features? (250 Words)

Essay Topics:

1. No matter how far you rise, you are still fundamentally equal to others.

2. Bureaucracy is not an obstacle to democracy but an inevitable complement to it.