Q. Discuss the relevance of John Rawls’s theory of social justice in the Indian socio-political context. (150 Words)

Q. In the context of the defense services, patriotism often entails a willingness to sacrifice one's life for the nation. What does patriotism mean in everyday civilian life? Illustrate your answer with examples. (150 Words)

Q. Indian cities face rising risks from both natural and man-made disasters. Discuss the need for integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) into urban planning and infrastructure. (150 words)

Q. The commercialization of space and increasing private participation have created a new space economy. Discuss its significance for India and outline the role of ISRO in this evolving ecosystem. (250 words)

Q. India’s approach to refugees and migration has been guided by humanitarian principles but has also faced practical challenges. Discuss the challenges faced in balancing humanitarian concerns with national interests. (250 words)

Evaluate the twin role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in asset creation and income security among the rural poor in India, along with their contribution to women’s empowerment. (150 words)

Q. Despite several policy measures and constitutional safeguards, manual scavenging continues to persist in India. Analyse the reasons for its continued existence despite legal bans and targeted welfare initiatives. (250 words)

Q. The architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire represents a high point in the cultural history of South India. Comment. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

1. The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

2. Freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves.

Case Study:

As the Sarpanch of a village Panchayat, you oversee a government-run primary school that provides midday meals to its students. Recently, a new cook was appointed as per government norms, following due process and eligibility criteria. However, it emerges that the cook belongs to a Scheduled Caste community. A section of parents, influenced by caste prejudices, begins to prevent their children from consuming the meals. As a result, school attendance drops, raising concerns about the continuity of the midday meal scheme, teacher retention, and even the functioning of the school itself.

This situation threatens not just the education of children but also social harmony, inclusion, and the credibility of public welfare programs.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Sarpanch?

2. What steps can the Sarpanch take to resolve the caste-based conflict and restore school attendance?

3. How can different stakeholders support inclusive practices in public services?

Q. How does corruption hinder national development, and what were Kautilya's views on tackling corruption within governance?(150 Words)

Q. What does the term 'voice of conscience' mean to you, and how can one train themselves to listen and respond to it effectively? (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the effectiveness of India’s climate change policies in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. (150 words)

Q. Examine the role of MSMEs in India’s economic growth and employment generation. What are the key challenges confronting the MSME sector, and how can they be addressed? (250 words)

Q. Critically examine how India’s neighbourhood policy seeks to balance strategic and security concerns with the objectives of regional economic integration. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the role of parliamentary committees in ensuring legislative oversight and policy accountability. (150 words)

Q. Western Disturbances are crucial to India’s winter rainfall pattern, yet their variability poses both opportunities and risks for Indian agriculture. Discuss (150 words)

Q. Critically assess the impact of colonial land revenue settlements on India’s agrarian economy, and patterns of land ownership. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.

2. The world is full of educated derelicts.

Case Study

You are a young field athlete, proudly representing India in your debut at an international championship. While staying at the athletes' village, you accidentally enter the common restroom and see a few senior team members injecting themselves with an unidentified substance. Suspicious, you ask them about it. They explain that it's a ‘recovery booster, a performance-enhancing drug (PED) that supposedly helps with endurance and muscle repair.

They further suggest that using it is common practice, especially in global competitions, and if you want to remain competitive and secure your place in the team, you should consider taking it too. Later, while contemplating whether to approach the coach, you learn from another junior athlete that the team coach is not only aware but has allegedly recommended its use, citing ‘national interest’ and ‘medal pressure.’

Questions:

(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas involved in this situation?

(b) What are the possible courses of action available to you in this scenario?

(c) What course of action would you choose and why?

Q. A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live-Martin Luther King Jr. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? (150 words)

Q. What are the key components of emotional intelligence, and to what extent can they be developed through learning and experience?(150 words)

Q. How does the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) contribute to reducing vulnerability in coastal states?(150 words)

Q. Critically examine the role of Indian intelligence agencies in countering terrorism. In light of existing challenges, do you think structural reforms are needed to enhance coordination?(250 words)

Q. Evaluate the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, particularly regarding carbon border taxes and quality control orders, and their impact on bilateral economic relations. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the structural and socio-cultural factors hinder transgender persons from effectively accessing welfare schemes in India. Also, propose specific measures to overcome these barriers and ensure their better inclusion. (250 words)

Q. Critically analyse the continuity and transformation of traditional social values in contemporary Indian society.(250 words)

Q. Examine how the spiritual and emotive principles enshrined in the Natya Shastra have guided the evolution of Indian classical dance forms. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. That government is best which governs least.

2. A leader is a dealer in hope.

Case Study

As the District Magistrate of a city with a sizable transgender population, you are confronted with a growing number of public complaints about aggressive begging by some members of the transgender community at busy traffic intersections. Commuters report feeling harassed or coerced into giving money, and traffic police raise concerns about disruptions and safety hazards at junctions.

Upon investigation, you find that many transgender individuals have limited access to education or employment due to deep-rooted social stigma and exclusion. Several transgender advocacy groups acknowledge the complaints but assert that, for many in the community, begging remains the only viable source of livelihood given the persistent discrimination they face in mainstream employment sectors.

You are under pressure to act swiftly to restore public order and ensure road safety, but you are also mindful of the need to uphold dignity, rights, and social justice for a historically marginalized community.

Questions:

(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas involved in balancing public order with the rights and dignity of transgenders? How do prevailing societal attitudes shape these dilemmas?

(b) What policy interventions could you consider to address both the immediate concerns and the long-term welfare of the transgender community?