Q. Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (150 Words)

Q. Critically evaluate the functioning of NITI Aayog since its inception. (150 words)

Q. Microfinancing was introduced in India as a solution to poverty and to empower Self Help Groups (SHGs). Despite its strong potential, the microfinance sector faces challenges related to accessibility in India. Analyse. (250 words)

Q. How far has linguistic diversity helped in strengthening Indian unity? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the recent trends in the Indian caste system and the factors responsible for the change. (250 words)

Essay Topic

1. A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.

2. They cannot make history who forget history.

Case Study

A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost the same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earn substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company.

(a) What action do you visualise should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in the domestic market?

(b) What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?

(c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

Q. Highlight the salient features of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian constitution. Also, discuss the ways in which different ministries can play a constructive role in the promotion of the individual fundamental duties. (150 Words)

Q. Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (150 Words)

Q. An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (150 Words)

Q. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to provide large incremental value to a wide range of sectors. Comment. (150 words)

Q. Displacement of tribals and other marginalised communities has been one of the major consequences of the development process in India. Comment. (150 words)

Q. “With its immense strategic relevance as an Indian security concern, a stable, secure and friendly Nepal is one requisite which India can’t afford to overlook”. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. What do you mean by ethnicity and how is it different from race? Discuss the characteristics of ethnicity. (150 words)

Q. What is gender role stereotyping? Discuss its implications on women in Indian society. (150 words)

Essay Topic

1. All power is within you, you can do anything and everything.

2. In a gentle way, you can shake the world.

Q. ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (150 Words)

Q. Energy is the most fundamental requirement of every society or nation as it progresses through the ladder of development. In the light of the statement discuss the role of nuclear energy. (250 Words)

Q. In the case of crisis of conscience, does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. (150 Words)

Q. “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (150 Words)

Q. How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (150 Words)

Q. Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (250 Words)

Q. “Despite India’s commitment to rural decentralization, Panchayats could not live up to their potential.” Discuss. (250 Words)

Q. What is the statutory basis for contempt of court in India? How far do you agree that the judicial institutions need protection? (150 Words)

Q. Industrialisation and Colonisation complemented each other in establishing British supremacy across the globe. Analyse. (150 Words)

Q. “Poverty is not only a condition of economic insufficiency; it is also social and political exclusion.” Substantiate. (250 Words)

Essay topics

1.Life is a journey imprisoned in time, except for a few moments that are free.

2. Prosperity abandons one who is satisfied with money.

Case Study

Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seemed to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’ style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publicly. It became apparent that though there were no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realised that his relation with his senior officer was becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even at home. Rather without any reason he would lose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffered by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus, it damaged his physical and mental health.

(a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?

(b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquility and congenial environment in the office and home?

(c) As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?

(d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels in the government offices?

Q. Discuss the causes of high GHG emissions from the agriculture sector and the steps that can be taken to minimise the emissions. (250 Words)

Q. What does the following quotation mean to you?

“Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.”- Swami Vivekanand (150 Words)