Q. In organisational environments shaped by incentives and peer behaviour, examine how ethical conduct is influenced more by institutional culture than by formal codes of conduct. (150 words)

Q. In complex governance situations involving competing interests and uncertainty, examine how ethical decision-making often requires balancing principles, consequences and contextual judgment. (150 words).

Q. “Deep tech innovations are increasingly shaping national power and economic competitiveness in the 21st century.” Discuss. (150 words)

Q. “Despite policy push through initiatives like Make in India, India’s manufacturing sector has struggled to achieve its desired share in GDP.” Examine the structural bottlenecks and suggest a roadmap for sustainable manufacturing growth. (250 words)

Q. “Urban poverty and informalization of labour pose new challenges to social justice”. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. “In an era marked by shifting geopolitical alignments and the rise of minilateral groupings, examine the relevance of multilateralism in India’s foreign policy. How can India leverage multilateral platforms to advance its strategic autonomy and global leadership ambitions?” (250 words)

Q. “The Swadeshi Movement was a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.” Discuss its achievements and limitations. (150 words)

Q. “Landforms are the result of a dynamic balance between endogenic and exogenic forces.” Elaborate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. “Power without legitimacy is fragile, and legitimacy without accountability is dangerous.”

2. “Comfort often becomes the greatest obstacle to change.”

Case Study

You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in an industrial region where a large number of small-scale brick kilns operate. Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued strict directions to shut down all kilns that do not comply with new environmental norms, including the adoption of zig-zag technology to reduce air pollution. Inspections reveal that nearly 60% of the kilns in your jurisdiction are non-compliant.

While implementing the order, you receive representations from kiln owners stating that they lack the financial capacity to upgrade their technology immediately. Workers employed in these kilns, many of whom are migrant laborers, fear sudden unemployment and loss of livelihood. Local political representatives are also pressuring you to delay enforcement, citing possible social unrest and economic distress in the region. At the same time, environmental groups and public health activists are demanding strict and immediate action, highlighting the severe air pollution and its impact on public health, especially children and the elderly.

You are aware that non-compliance with NGT orders may invite legal consequences and reflect poorly on your administrative integrity, while strict enforcement may lead to economic hardship and social tensions.

Questions:

Q1. What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation?

Q2. What are the options available to you in handling this situation? Critically evaluate each option.

Q3. What course of action would you adopt and how would you balance environmental responsibility with socio-economic concerns?

Q. “A welfare state must integrate the ethics of care with the ethics of justice.” Discuss the relevance of this statement in policymaking. (150 words)

Q. “An administrator must balance the ethics of conviction with the ethics of responsibility.” Examine this statement in the context of public service decision-making with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. Discuss how India’s energy transition reflects a ‘development–climate trade-off’ and evaluate policy options to ensure decarbonisation without compromising affordability and energy access. (250 words).

Q. In the backdrop of global tariff uncertainty and supply-chain diversification, analyse how India can convert trade disruptions into manufacturing opportunities. (250 words).

Q. Geopolitics today is increasingly shaped by control over technology, financial systems, and trade networks rather than military power alone.” Discuss. (250 words).

Q. In the context of prolonged judicial delays, examine how pendency of cases affects governance certainty, federal balance, and the protection of citizens’ rights. (250 words).

Q. With the emergence of powerful regional kingdoms, examine how temple architecture became an expression of political legitimacy, economic prosperity and artistic excellence. (250 words)

Q. Examine the interlinkages between women’s empowerment and socio-economic development in India. ( 150 words).

Essay Topics

1. The abundance of options often conceals the poverty of purpose.

2. The future is shaped less by prediction than by preparation.

Case Study

Mr. Rohit Nair is the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city that has recently witnessed a rise in organised crime, including theft, drug trafficking, and incidents of violence. To enhance policing efficiency, the State Government introduces an advanced facial recognition surveillance system integrated with CCTV cameras across the city.

The system is designed to identify suspects in real time and has already helped solve several cases. Encouraged by early success, higher authorities directed Mr. Nair to expand its use, including continuous monitoring of public spaces such as markets, metro stations, and residential areas.

However, concerns begin to emerge from civil society organisations, legal experts, and sections of the public regarding privacy violations, lack of consent, and potential misuse of personal data. Reports indicate that the system has a higher error rate in identifying certain groups, raising fears of profiling and wrongful targeting.

Additionally, there are no clear guidelines on data storage, access, or accountability mechanisms. Some officers informally suggest using the system to monitor “habitual protesters” and political activists to prevent potential law-and-order issues.

The State Government emphasises that public safety must take precedence over abstract privacy concerns and expects visible results in crime reduction. Media debates intensify, with some praising technological efficiency and others warning against a “surveillance state.”

Mr. Nair must decide how to implement the system while balancing public safety, individual rights, and ethical governance.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
2. What options are available to Mr. Nair? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.
3. What should be the most appropriate course of action for Mr. Nair? Justify your answer in terms of ethical principles, constitutional values, and administrative accountability.

Q. In public policy aimed at inclusive development, analyse how the pursuit of equity may require differential treatment that challenges formal notions of equality. (150 words)

Q. In the context of increasing legalisation of governance through rules, codes and compliance frameworks, critically examine whether ethical behaviour can be institutionalised or remains fundamentally dependent on individual conscience. (150 words)

Q. With the increasing use of encrypted communication and dark web networks by non-state actors, examine how technological anonymity challenges traditional intelligence and law enforcement mechanisms. ( 250 words).

Q. In the context of community-centric approaches, examine how local knowledge and decentralised governance can enhance disaster preparedness and recovery. ( 150 words).

Q. With the rise of competing connectivity and infrastructure initiatives globally, examine how strategic corridors and partnerships influence regional geopolitics and India’s positioning.( 250 words).

Q. In the backdrop of changing socio-economic realities, analyse how the discourse on social justice is shifting from redistribution to empowerment and capability enhancement. (250 words).

Q. In the backdrop of European expansion and global competition, analyse how imperialism transformed political boundaries, economic systems and cultural identities across Asia and Africa. (150 words )

Q. In the context of rapid urbanisation and resource stress, examine how human activities are reshaping geographical landscapes and environmental sustainability. (150 words )

Essay Topics

1. The pursuit of comfort often comes at the cost of resilience.
2. Diversity strengthens societies when guided by mutual respect.

Case Study

Mr. Vivek Deshmukh is the District Magistrate of a mineral-rich district where the State Government has approved a large infrastructure project, a multi-purpose industrial corridor expected to generate employment, boost regional development, and attract investment.
The project requires acquisition of a large tract of land, a significant portion of which belongs to small and marginal farmers, as well as forest land traditionally used by tribal communities for livelihood and cultural practices. The government has offered compensation as per legal provisions, along with promises of rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and skill development.

While some landowners are willing to accept compensation, a substantial section of tribal communities and farmers are resisting the acquisition. They argue that the compensation does not reflect the long-term value of their land and that monetary payments cannot substitute their cultural and livelihood ties to the land. Civil society groups have joined the protest, raising concerns about displacement, environmental degradation, and violation of tribal rights.

At the same time, the State Government is keen to fast-track the project, viewing it as a flagship initiative with potential political and economic benefits. Senior officials informally advise Mr. Deshmukh to “ensure smooth acquisition” and avoid delays. There are also reports that some local intermediaries are trying to manipulate consent records and pressure villagers into signing agreements.

Meanwhile, the region suffers from chronic underdevelopment, lack of employment, poor infrastructure, and migration, which the project aims to address. Delaying or cancelling the project could deprive the region of much-needed economic opportunities.

Mr. Deshmukh must decide how to proceed with land acquisition while balancing development goals, rights of affected communities, and ethical governance.

Questions

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
2. What options are available to Mr. Deshmukh? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.
3. What should be the most ethical course of action for Mr. Deshmukh? Justify your answer in terms of justice, equity, and sustainable development.