Q. “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topics

1. He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.

2. Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.

Case Studies

An IAS officer, Mr. Sharma, is working in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a Joint Secretary. He is responsible for drafting a policy on surrogacy, which aims to regulate the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and protect the rights and interests of the surrogate mothers, the intended parents, and the children born through surrogacy.

Mr. Sharma is married to Mrs. Sharma, who is a successful lawyer and a partner in a reputed law firm. They have been trying to have a child for the past 10 years, but have failed due to medical reasons. They have also explored the option of adoption, but have faced many hurdles and delays in the process.

One day, Mrs. Sharma informs Mr. Sharma that she has found a surrogate mother through an online platform, who is willing to carry their child for a reasonable amount of money. She also tells him that she has consulted her law firm and they have assured her that they can handle the legal formalities and paperwork for the surrogacy arrangement. She urges Mr. Sharma to agree to this option, as it is their last chance to have a biological child of their own. However, the current law prohibits commercial surrogacy and allows only altruistic surrogacy for eligible couples.

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

2. What are the possible options available to Mr. Sharma?

3. What should Mr. Sharma do in this situation? Justify your answer with suitable arguments. (250 words)

Q. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. "The greatest good for the greatest number" is a foundational principle of quantitative utilitarianism. Discuss the ethical implications of prioritizing numerical outcomes over individual rights in the context of public policy decision-making. (150 words)

Q. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What is the main task of India's third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre' at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Explain the significance of the 101^st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topics

1. The Best is the Enemy of the Good.

2. There is no happiness in comfort, Happiness comes from suffering.

Case Studies

You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government, One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest. After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.

(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.

(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of government and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence Indian society? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topics

1. Every soul is a melody which needs renewing.

2. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness.

Case Studies

You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chlef Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that aho is contemplating tendering her resignation.

A. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?

B. What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?

C. What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)