Q. Explain the concept of "negative responsibility" in ethics. How does it challenge traditional views of moral responsibility? (150 words)

Q. What is space debris? Discuss the growing problem of space junk in Earth's orbit, its potential impacts on space exploration and satellite operations. (250 words)

Q. Explain the concept of Agriculture 4.0 and discuss its potential role in ensuring food security in India. (150 words)

Q. Despite comprehensive legislative measures to protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, atrocities against these communities continue to persist in India. Examine. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the impact of the QUAD alliance on the Indo-Pacific regional dynamics and India's strategic interests. (150 words)

Q. To what extent has economic liberalization influenced the nature of social stratification in India? Discuss with reference to emerging class structures and consumption patterns. (250 words)

Q. Examine the role of Mauryan art and architecture in propagating Buddhist ideals across the Indian subcontinent. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Ethics are the gravitational waves rippling through the fabric of societal norms.

2. Consciousness is the universe's AI experiment in self-reflection

Case Study

You are the newly appointed CEO of a struggling public sector enterprise tasked with its turnaround. The company's inefficiency stems from overstaffing and outdated practices. Your analysis shows that laying off 30% of the workforce and implementing modern management techniques could make the company profitable within two years. However, this would cause significant hardship for the employees and their families in a region already facing high unemployment.

The government, while officially supporting reforms, has privately indicated they want to avoid layoffs before the upcoming elections. You must decide whether to proceed with the layoffs and reforms, knowing it's the best path for the company’s long-term viability but at the cost of short-term social and political ramifications. The case highlights the tension between professional ethics, political pressures, and personal moral values in a post-bureaucratic setting where traditional hierarchies and rules offer less guidance.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

2. What ethical dilemmas do you encounter in making this decision?

3. What steps will you take to address the situation while balancing competing interests?

Q "Resilience is not about putting up with something difficult, but about creatively adapting to challenging situations." Discuss (150 words)

Q. The concept of 'ethical consumerism' places moral responsibility on individuals for their consumption choices. Discuss the potential and limitations of this approach in addressing global environmental challenges. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the effectiveness of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in addressing urban air pollution in India. What additional measures can be implemented to improve air quality in major metropolitan areas? (250 words)

Q. How can 3D printing technology be leveraged to reduce waste and resource consumption in India's industrial sector? (150 words)

Q. Analyze the role of the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution in shaping India's socio-economic policies, and examine their relationship with fundamental rights. (250 words)

Q."The concept of 'development-induced displacement' raises critical questions about the balance between national progress and social justice." Analyze India's rehabilitation and resettlement policies for displaced communities, suggesting improvements to ensure equitable development. (250 words)

Q. The development of regional kingdoms in early medieval India led to the flourishing of distinct architectural and artistic traditions. Elaborate with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q. How did the experience of World War II reshape the political landscape of India and influence the final phase of the freedom struggle? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. The seed must be buried for the tree to rise.

2. Growth without equity is a house built on sand.

Case Study

In a rural region near the Ganga river basin, the local economy has increasingly become dependent on sand mining for construction purposes. The local government has issued permits for sand mining in limited areas under strict regulations. However, illegal sand mining is rampant in the region, with powerful contractors exploiting local resources and creating environmental degradation. Many contractors extract sand in excess of permitted limits and from non-designated areas, severely affecting the river's flow, local biodiversity, and nearby agricultural lands.

During your inspection visit as a district official, you observe large-scale illegal sand mining activities despite the presence of regulatory bodies. Upon questioning, the workers claim they are employed by a registered contractor operating within the limits. However, you notice heavy machinery being used in restricted areas. Villagers complain that illegal mining is damaging their fields, causing erosion, and affecting water availability. Moreover, you learn that the local administration is allegedly turning a blind eye to the issue due to the involvement of influential political figures.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.

3. What steps would you take to address the situation as a district official?

Q. Analyze the concept of "ethical fading" in organizational contexts. How can public institutions guard against this phenomenon and maintain high ethical standards over time? (150 words)

Q. "Attitude shapes behavior, while aptitude determines capability." Analyze this statement in light of ethical governance. (150 words)

Q. The introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency by the Reserve Bank of India marks a significant shift in India’s economic landscape. Evaluate the potential impacts of the digital rupee on financial inclusion. (250 words)

Q. The weaponization of social media for propaganda and recruitment by extremist groups poses a significant threat to internal security. How can India develop a robust strategy to combat digital extremism without compromising democratic values? (250 words)

Q. “The use of money bills to pass contentious legislation undermines the bicameral nature of India's parliamentary system”. Analyze this statement in the context of recent legislative practices and their impact on the role of the Rajya Sabha. (250 words)

Q. "Manual scavenging persists despite legal prohibitions, highlighting the gap between legislation and social realities." Evaluate the effectiveness of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and suggest measures for its better implementation. (250 words)

Q. Explain the formation of karst landscapes and their characteristic features. Also, discuss their impact on water resources and land use. (250 words)

Q. The traditional Indian family structure has undergone significant transformations in recent decades. Examine the changing nature of the Indian family, with particular emphasis on the impact of urbanization and globalization. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Freedom is a fragile flower, easily crushed by the winds of oppression

2. The pursuit of wealth can lead to both prosperity and poverty.

Case Study

You are a senior officer in a state government responsible for overseeing appointments to key public positions. Recently, the government has initiated a recruitment process for a high-ranking post in the education department, critical for implementing the state's education reforms. The selection committee has shortlisted two candidates. One is highly qualified with an impeccable track record, but they have been vocal in criticizing some government policies. The second candidate is less experienced but enjoys strong political backing and is perceived as loyal to the ruling party.

You are aware that the first candidate could significantly contribute to the education sector's growth due to his expertise, but his independent stance might lead to friction with the political leadership. On the other hand, selecting the second candidate could ensure smoother relations with the political leadership but may compromise the quality of governance. Your decision will have a lasting impact on the state's education policy and its future outcomes.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are ethical dilemmas in this case and what principles will guide your decision in this scenario?

3. How would you balance professional competence and political considerations in making a fair and just decision?

Q. Integrity and transparency are often cited as pillars of good governance. Discuss how these principles can sometimes conflict in real-world scenarios. (150 words)