Q. Critically examine the arguments for and against legalising same sex marriage in India. What are the constitutional and social implications of such a move? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the need and challenges of sub-categorisation of OBCs in India. How will it affect the existing reservation policy and the social justice agenda?

Q. Discuss the primary and secondary factors that contribute to the formation of ocean currents. How do these factors interact and influence the characteristics of ocean currents, and what are the global implications of these interactions? (250 Words)

Q. Examine the multifaceted challenges and issues encountered by transgender individuals in India, emphasizing the role of societal stigma, discrimination, and the absence of legal recognition. (250 Words)

Essay Topics

1. Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man.

2. Quality is not an act, it is a habit.

Case Studies

There is a lady who wants to terminate her 26-week pregnancy on the grounds of depression and financial hardship. She claims that she was unaware of her pregnancy until recently and that she cannot afford to raise another child. She also says that she suffers from severe mental stress and anxiety due to her situation. The doctors at AIIMS have examined her and confirmed that the fetus is alive and has a heartbeat, and they have refused to perform an abortion as it would amount to ending a life.

a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

b) What are the legal and ethical concerns regarding abortion in India?

Q. What is the difference between empathy and sympathy? How can empathy help a civil servant in understanding the needs and feelings of the stakeholders and delivering better public service? (150 words)

Q. The ethical way is the intelligent way. What does this quote mean for the role of public servants in upholding ethical standards? (150 words)

Q. India's roll out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime heralded a paradigm shift in taxation structure but it has been marred down with certain glitches downgrading its effectiveness. Discuss (250 words)

Q. Examine the role of agricultural marketing in India's rural economy and the challenges it faces in achieving a robust and efficient marketing system. What measures can be taken to address these challenges and promote agricultural marketing for the benefit of farmers and the overall economy ? Discuss with relevant examples.(250 words)

Q. Geopolitical and Socio-Economic dimensions across the globe are undergoing changes which call for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms pending since its coming into existence. Elucidate (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance and contemporary relevance of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA Act, 1951) in the Indian electoral system. Analyze its various amendments, and their impact on the conduct of free and fair elections. (250 Words)

Q. Issue of Israel-Palestine conflict can be attributed to both World Wars I & II. Discuss (250 Words)

Q. Caste system has been a unique feature of Indian Society. How will the Caste Census in India resolve the age-old crisis of caste atrocities and marginalization ? Explain (250 Words)

Essay Topics

1. Education is the movement from darkness to light.

2. Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

Case Study

Mr. Verma, a distinguished IAS officer, has been known for his integrity and commitment to public service. He has earned a reputation for effectively implementing various development projects and policies. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges the state faces, including corruption, inadequate healthcare, and educational facilities, and unemployment issues. Motivated by his strong sense of duty and a desire to bring about meaningful change, Mr. Verma decides to contest elections to address these issues at a political level.

However, the state government refuses to accept his resignation, arguing that his expertise and experience are critical for the ongoing development projects. They assert that allowing him to contest elections would disrupt the state's administrative stability.

A. What are the Ethical Issues involved in the Case?

B. What are the guidelines for Civil Servants when it comes to running in elections?

Q. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart. Discuss the significance of this quote in the context of public administration and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. What is the difference between moral relativism and moral universalism? How do they affect your ethical judgments and actions? (150 words)

Q. What are open market operations (OMOs) and how do they affect the money supply and interest rates in the economy? (250 words)

Q. What are the basic principles and properties of quantum dots? Discuss their potential applications and challenges in different domains. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the repercussions of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on India’s economy, energy security, and foreign policy. (150 Words)

Q. Critically examine the objectives, provisions and implications of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. (250 Words)

Q. What do you understand about the "Glacial Lake Outburst Flood" (GLOF)? Discuss the causes and consequences of GLOFs in the Himalayan region? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the factors that contributed to the industrialization of Europe in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. How did industrialization transform European society during this period? (250 Words)

Essay Topics

1. Good governance is putting people at the center of the development process.

2. The greatest wealth is to live content with little.

Case Studies

You are the District Collector of a remote and backward district. You have been working hard to improve the living conditions of the people by implementing various schemes and projects. One of the projects that you have initiated is the construction of a Local Area Network (LAN) that will connect all the government offices, schools, hospitals, and panchayats in the district. This will enable better communication, coordination, and delivery of public services. You have also planned to provide free internet access to the villagers through this network.

However, you face several challenges and ethical dilemmas in executing this project. Some of them are:

The local MLA is opposed to your project as he fears that it will reduce his influence and control over the people. He has been pressuring you to stop the project or divert the funds for some other scheme targeting his vote bank.

The contractors who have been awarded the tender for laying the cables and installing the equipment are known to be corrupt and inefficient. They have been delaying the work and demanding more money. They have also been using substandard materials and compromising on the quality and safety of the network.

Some of the villagers are suspicious and resistant to your project as they think that it is a ploy to spy on them and collect their personal data. They have been spreading rumors and misinformation about the harmful effects of the network on their health and culture. They have also been vandalizing and sabotaging the network infrastructure.

Some of the government officials and staff are reluctant and indifferent to your project as they lack the skills and motivation to use the network. They have been avoiding training sessions and workshops that you have organized to familiarize them with the network. They have also been misusing and abusing the network for their personal and illegal purposes.

As the District Collector, how will you deal with these challenges and dilemmas? What values and principles will guide your actions and decisions? Discuss. (250 words)

Q. How can emotional intelligence help in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest in public administration? (150 words)

Q. Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow." - Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the importance of character in ethical leadership. (150 words)

Q. Explain the significance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the Indian economy and analyze the reasons behind the recent decline in FDI inflows. Suggest remedial measures to enhance FDI in India. (250 words)

Q. What constitutes air pollution, particularly in the context of stubble burning? What measures can be implemented to mitigate its effects? (250 words)