Q. Discuss how ethical egoism and ethical altruism influence decision-making in a professional setting. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the viability of nuclear power as a clean and sustainable energy source for India. Discuss challenges associated with nuclear energy. (250 words)

Q. Explain the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species and discuss strategies for their control and eradication. (150 words)

Q. Decentralization of power through Panchayati Raj Institutions is crucial for participatory democracy and development at the grassroots level. Comment. (250 words)

Q. Discuss how digital technologies can be leveraged to promote social inclusion and empower marginalized groups. (150 words)

Q. The Eastern and Western Ghats are two major mountain ranges in India, yet their influence on climate and agriculture differs significantly. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. The rise of regional kingdoms in post-Gupta India presented a fragmented political landscape. Discuss the factors that led to this fragmentation and analyze its impact on the cultural development of the subcontinent. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. We are simultaneously the observer and the observed, caught in a recursive loop of self-perception that defines our reality.

2. Consciousness is both the canvas and the brush, painting realities that collapse and expand with each thought.

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a drought-prone area. The government has allocated funds for a major irrigation project that promises to benefit thousands of farmers. However, during the initial survey, it's discovered that the project will require the displacement of a small tribal community of 500 people from their ancestral lands. The community lacks formal land ownership documents but has been living there for generations. They are unwilling to move, citing cultural and spiritual connections to the land.

As you begin stakeholder consultations, you learn that some influential local politicians and businessmen stand to gain significantly from the irrigation project. They are pressuring you to expedite the process and minimize interaction with the tribal community. Meanwhile, a group of environmental activists has raised concerns about the project's potential negative impact on the local ecosystem, particularly on a rare species of fish found only in the river that will be diverted for irrigation. You have to navigate the situation with sensitivity and balance competing interests.

A. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

B. What are the ethical dilemmas you face as the District Collector in this situation?

C. Outline the steps you would take to address this situation, ensuring a balance between development goals and the rights of the tribal community. How would you ensure transparency and fairness in the process?

Q. The concept of intrinsic value suggests that nature has value independent of its utility to humans. Discuss the ethical implications of this perspective on environmental policymaking. (150 words)

Q. Compare and contrast Virtue Ethics with Consequentialism. Which approach do you think is most valuable for building a strong ethical character in a civil servant? (150 words)

Q. Evaluate how Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of the Indian economy. Also, suggest measures to address their financial and operational constraints. (150 words)

Q. Urban areas are increasingly susceptible to disaster risks due to unplanned development and overcrowding. Suggest strategies for making urban infrastructure and communities more resilient to disasters. (250 words)

Q. Explain the concept and evolution of federalism in India. Identify major challenges and propose solutions for strengthening India's federal structure after the resurgence of coalition politics in India. (250 words)

Q. Why is there an increasing phenomenon of an ageing population in India? Discuss the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly and propose solutions to empower them. (250 words)

Q. Numerous voices contributed to the strengthening and enrichment of the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (250 words)

Q. "The caste system is adopting new identities and associational forms; therefore, it cannot be eradicated in India." Discuss. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

2. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a coastal district. A severe cyclone is expected to make landfall in your district within 48 hours. The meteorological department has issued a red alert, warning of wind speeds up to 150 km/h, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges.

Your district has a population of about 5 lakh people, with 2 lakh living in low-lying coastal areas at high risk of flooding. The district has limited evacuation centers, and moving such a large number of people on short notice poses significant logistical challenges. The district hospital is located in a low-lying area and houses 200 patients, including 50 in the ICU. Moving them would be risky and time-consuming.

Additionally, there's a large fishing community that is reluctant to leave their boats and homes, as they fear looting in their absence. Many of them also doubt the severity of the weather forecast, based on past experiences where cyclone warnings didn't materialize into major events.

Questions:

1. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this case?

2. What immediate course of action will you take to ensure the safety and evacuation of the population, particularly those in high-risk areas?

3. What long-term measures can be implemented to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in your coastal district?

Q.  Explore the contrasting approaches of the Ethics of Care and the Ethics of Justice.  Discuss how a civil servant might navigate situations where these ethical principles seem to conflict.  (150 words)

Q. Critically examine the relationship between rights and duties in a democracy. How do individual rights sometimes come into conflict with societal duties? (150 words)

Q. Financial inclusion is crucial for achieving inclusive growth. Discuss the progress made in financial inclusion in India and the challenges that remain. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms in India. Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with genetic modification technology. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the strategic significance of India's engagement with African nations and how it aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives. (150 words)

Q. Explain the role of pressure groups or interest groups in influencing policy decisions in India. Analyze both the positive and negative aspects of their influence. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the significance of inland waterways for transportation and economic development. Discuss the geographical challenges associated with navigating rivers in India. (250 words)

Q. Indian cuisine boasts a vast array of flavors and dishes influenced by regional geography and agriculture. Examine. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.

2. No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.

Case Study

As the Superintendent of Police in Reasi, you have just received a distressing report about a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims. The strike, which claimed the lives of nine civilians, has sent shockwaves through the region, shattering the relative calm that had prevailed in recent years.

The timing of the attack could not be more precarious, as the region gears up for the upcoming assembly elections. You now find yourself at a critical juncture, tasked with immediate relief measures and devising a comprehensive strategy to address this resurgence of terrorist activities while maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of civilians.

Political tensions are running high, and any misstep in your response could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Union Territory.

1. What are the key stakeholders involved in this case?

2. What will be your immediate course of action as the Superintendent of Police?

3. What will be your long-term strategy to address the resurgence of terrorist activities and maintain peace in the region?

Q. Analyze the ethical concerns surrounding social media use by public servants. Propose guidelines for ethical conduct based on public service values. (150 words)