Q. Discuss the strategic, economic, and technological dimensions of transforming India from a major defence importer to a potential global defence manufacturing hub. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the role of the logistics sector in India's economic transformation. Discuss the key challenges hindering its potential and propose strategic interventions to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness. (250 words)

Q. Analyze India's engagement with Africa in the 21st century by examining the geopolitical and geoeconomic dimensions of the partnership. (250 words)

Q. Examine the principles and practices of judicial review in India and the United States. How do the constitutional approaches of these two democracies differ in empowering their judiciaries? (250 words)

Q. "The Sanchi Stupa is a testament to India’s rich Buddhist heritage and evolving architectural styles. Discuss its historical significance, artistic features, and the contributions of various dynasties in its development. (250 words)

Q. How do geomorphological processes influence the formation and evolution of river systems in India? Illustrate with examples from different river basins. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Convenience is the new cage of the human mind.

2. Not all departures are escapes, and not all arrivals are destinations.

Case Study

You are the Dean of Admissions at a prestigious government university. The admission process is underway, and strict merit-based criteria are in place. A few days before the final selection, you receive a call from a senior bureaucrat in the state government requesting admission for his son, who does not meet the cut-off marks. He emphasizes that his support has been crucial in securing government grants for the university’s expansion projects.

Simultaneously, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) informs you in a private meeting that the university’s funding is at a critical juncture and the bureaucrat’s goodwill may help in securing future grants. The VC suggests that you explore "discretionary quotas" to accommodate the student.

Meanwhile, a junior faculty member from the admissions committee privately expresses concerns to you about unusual last-minute changes in the admission list, hinting at possible external interference. You are caught between your duty to uphold fairness and the practical challenges of maintaining the university’s financial health.

Questions:

1. Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in this case.

2. Examine the possible courses of action available to you as the Dean of Admissions. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option. What course of action will you take and why?

3. What institutional reforms can be implemented to ensure transparency, fairness, and resistance to external pressures in the university’s admission process?

Q. How does the concept of "moral distress" manifest in public service, and what strategies can administrators employ to address it constructively? (150 words)

Q. "Moral courage requires both the willingness to stand alone and the humility to change one's position." Discuss with examples from public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the structural factors responsible for growth-employment mismatch in India and propose strategic interventions to ensure growth that is both robust and employment-intensive. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the role of technology and innovation in transforming India's manufacturing sector. How can India better prepare for Industry 4.0? (250 words)

Q. Assess the implementation challenges of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and suggest measures to strengthen its effectiveness. (150 words)

Q. Examine the efficacy of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in addressing national security challenges. Has it strengthened India's federal structure? (250 words)

Q. “Gandhara and Mathura schools of art represent two distinct yet interconnected artistic traditions of ancient India”. How did these schools contribute to the evolution of Indian sculptural art? (150 words)

Q. Compare and contrast the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari Settlement introduced by the British in India. How did these land revenue systems impact agrarian society and the overall economy? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Poetry makes nothing happen, yet it changes everything.

2. Language is the most beautiful prison ever built.

Q. Emotional intelligence is often considered as important as cognitive intelligence in governance. Discuss its role in ethical leadership and public service delivery. (150 Words)

Q. "Sustainability is not just a policy goal but an ethical obligation." Discuss the role of corporate ethics, governance, and individual responsibility in promoting sustainable environmental practices. (150 Words)

Q. How can the circular economy model help in addressing India's twin challenges of economic growth and environmental degradation? Illustrate with examples. (150 Words)

Q. Despite multiple policy initiatives, air pollution remains a persistent problem in India. Identify the key implementation gaps and suggest measures to improve air quality management. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss India's nuclear doctrine and its relevance in the contemporary geopolitical environment. Should India consider revising its No-First-Use policy given the changing global security dynamics? (150 words)

Q."While the Right to Information Act has enhanced transparency, its implementation has encountered significant institutional challenges." Analyze the statement with reference to recent amendments to the RTI Act. (250 words)

Q. "Folk traditions have played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage in India." Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the causes and consequences of soil degradation in different parts of India. Suggest suitable conservation measures. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.

2. Tradition and modernity must coexist, not compete.

Case Study

Aditi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is posted as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a tribal-dominated region. She receives complaints from tribal leaders about a private infrastructure company clearing large stretches of forest land. Her investigation confirms that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, but the state government promotes it as a major development initiative. The tribals strongly oppose the project, fearing displacement and ecological destruction, while some activists threaten protests.

As Aditi prepares to take action, the Chief Secretary advises her to "cooperate" in the "larger interest of development" and hints at a possible transfer if she resists. Aditi now faces a dilemma. If she stops the project, she risks political backlash and career consequences. If she allows it, she compromises her integrity and the law. If she leaks information, she invites national scrutiny but could be accused of misconduct.

Questions:

1. Examine the ethical dilemmas in this case, focusing on legal obligations, governance ethics, environmental justice, and personal integrity.

2. As an ethical civil servant, analyze the possible courses of action available to Aditi and their ethical and professional implications.

3. Suggest measures to streamline India’s environmental clearance process while ensuring ecological sustainability and stakeholder participation

Q. "Ethical consumerism is the future of sustainable development." Discuss how ethical considerations influence consumer choices and corporate responsibility. (150 words)

Q. "Ethics is not about the choices we make, but about the reasons behind those choices." Examine this statement in the context of ethical reasoning and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of indigenous and traditional knowledge in disaster risk reduction. Analyze how local community practices can be further integrated with scientific approaches to develop more effective disaster management strategies. (250 words)