Q. Assess the implementation challenges of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and suggest measures to strengthen its effectiveness. (150 words)

Q. Examine the efficacy of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in addressing national security challenges. Has it strengthened India's federal structure? (250 words)

Q. “Gandhara and Mathura schools of art represent two distinct yet interconnected artistic traditions of ancient India”. How did these schools contribute to the evolution of Indian sculptural art? (150 words)

Q. Compare and contrast the Permanent Settlement and the Ryotwari Settlement introduced by the British in India. How did these land revenue systems impact agrarian society and the overall economy? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Poetry makes nothing happen, yet it changes everything.

2. Language is the most beautiful prison ever built.

Q. Emotional intelligence is often considered as important as cognitive intelligence in governance. Discuss its role in ethical leadership and public service delivery. (150 Words)

Q. "Sustainability is not just a policy goal but an ethical obligation." Discuss the role of corporate ethics, governance, and individual responsibility in promoting sustainable environmental practices. (150 Words)

Q. How can the circular economy model help in addressing India's twin challenges of economic growth and environmental degradation? Illustrate with examples. (150 Words)

Q. Despite multiple policy initiatives, air pollution remains a persistent problem in India. Identify the key implementation gaps and suggest measures to improve air quality management. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss India's nuclear doctrine and its relevance in the contemporary geopolitical environment. Should India consider revising its No-First-Use policy given the changing global security dynamics? (150 words)

Q."While the Right to Information Act has enhanced transparency, its implementation has encountered significant institutional challenges." Analyze the statement with reference to recent amendments to the RTI Act. (250 words)

Q. "Folk traditions have played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage in India." Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the causes and consequences of soil degradation in different parts of India. Suggest suitable conservation measures. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.

2. Tradition and modernity must coexist, not compete.

Case Study

Aditi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is posted as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a tribal-dominated region. She receives complaints from tribal leaders about a private infrastructure company clearing large stretches of forest land. Her investigation confirms that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, but the state government promotes it as a major development initiative. The tribals strongly oppose the project, fearing displacement and ecological destruction, while some activists threaten protests.

As Aditi prepares to take action, the Chief Secretary advises her to "cooperate" in the "larger interest of development" and hints at a possible transfer if she resists. Aditi now faces a dilemma. If she stops the project, she risks political backlash and career consequences. If she allows it, she compromises her integrity and the law. If she leaks information, she invites national scrutiny but could be accused of misconduct.

Questions:

1. Examine the ethical dilemmas in this case, focusing on legal obligations, governance ethics, environmental justice, and personal integrity.

2. As an ethical civil servant, analyze the possible courses of action available to Aditi and their ethical and professional implications.

3. Suggest measures to streamline India’s environmental clearance process while ensuring ecological sustainability and stakeholder participation

Q. "Ethical consumerism is the future of sustainable development." Discuss how ethical considerations influence consumer choices and corporate responsibility. (150 words)

Q. "Ethics is not about the choices we make, but about the reasons behind those choices." Examine this statement in the context of ethical reasoning and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of indigenous and traditional knowledge in disaster risk reduction. Analyze how local community practices can be further integrated with scientific approaches to develop more effective disaster management strategies. (250 words)

Q. Examine the ecological and socio-economic implications of climate change on India's coastal biodiversity. How can integrated coastal zone management help mitigate the potential long-term impacts on marine ecosystems? (250 words)

Q. Higher education reforms in India are crucial for fostering social mobility and equity. Evaluate the role of National Education Policy 2020 in ensuring accessibility and quality in higher education. (250 words)

Q. India-Maldives relations have witnessed fluctuations in recent times, impacting regional stability and cooperation. Analyze the strategic significance of the Maldives for India and suggest measures to strengthen bilateral ties in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of Sangam literature in understanding early Tamil society, economy, and polity. (150 words)

Q. Explain the causes of increasing occurrences of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas. Suggest strategies for mitigation and early warning systems.(250 words)

Essay Topics

1. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

2. Progress is best measured not by speed, but by direction.

Case Study

Dr. Anjali, a dedicated and upright IAS officer, has recently been appointed as the Director of the State Health Department. Soon after assuming charge, she discovers large-scale irregularities in the procurement of life-saving medical equipment for government hospitals.

A particular contract for ventilators was awarded to a private company that failed to meet safety and quality standards. Several patients lost their lives due to malfunctions during a recent health crisis. Upon further investigation, Anjali finds that the tendering process was manipulated to favor this company. The procurement file was approved under questionable circumstances by her predecessor, who has since retired. Many junior officials in the department are aware of these malpractices but are unwilling to come forward, fearing professional repercussions.

Meanwhile, a senior journalist approaches Anjali with leaked documents proving corruption in the procurement deal. The journalist is willing to publish an exposé but warns that powerful business and bureaucratic interests may suppress the story. Additionally, an activist group files a formal complaint demanding immediate legal action.

As Anjali deliberates, she receives subtle pressure from senior bureaucrats to avoid revisiting past decisions due to risk of transfer under political influence and to focus on future governance. Some of her colleagues advise her that pursuing this issue aggressively could result in an abrupt transfer or administrative sidelining.

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

2. Evaluate the options available to Anjali as a conscientious civil servant?

3. What systemic reforms are needed to prevent corruption in public procurement, ensure bureaucratic independence, and protect whistleblowers in government institutions?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Aristotelian virtue ethics in contemporary public administration. How can cultivating virtues contribute to ethical governance? (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership demands both compassion and pragmatism. How can a leader balance these conflicting demands without compromising on moral values? (150 words)

Q. As AI holds immense potential for transformation but comes with a substantial environmental cost. Discuss its environmental challenges and suggest measures to reduce its impact. (150 words)

Q. "Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential solution for clean energy transition."Examine the prospects and challenges of SMRs in India's nuclear energy strategy. (150 words)

Q. "France's position as both a European power and an Indo-Pacific resident power offers India unique strategic advantages." Discuss this statement and its implications for India's multilateral engagements. (250 words)