Q."The evolution of Lok Adalats represents a successful adaptation of alternative dispute resolution in India's justice system." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. The Coriolis force plays a fundamental role in determining not just the formation but also the behavior and characteristics of tropical cyclones. Discuss (250 words)

Q. The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century laid the intellectual foundation for India's national movement. Comment (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Change begins not at the surface, but in the roots unseen.

2. Economic growth without environmental consideration is wealth borrowed against tomorrow.

Case Studies

Rajesh Kumar, an IAS officer, has recently assumed the role of District Collector in an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh. During his review of MGNREGA projects, he uncovers serious discrepancies, including incomplete projects and wage diversions to fake job cards. He finds that the local MLA, chairing the District Vigilance Committee, has been approving projects without proper verification, while a group of villagers confidentially shares evidence of corruption involving Panchayat officials and contractors. Notably, the previous Collector was swiftly transferred when attempting to investigate similar issues, and the influential MLA, closely connected to the Chief Minister, subtly suggests that cooperation could secure Rajesh’s tenure and potential rewards.

As Rajesh grapples with the situation, a local activist group files an RTI on these projects and threatens media exposure. They offer to share comprehensive corruption documentation but appear motivated by upcoming Panchayat elections. Rajesh faces a dilemma: conducting a thorough investigation would fulfill his duty but may provoke political backlash, impact his career, and risk disrupting ongoing development. Ignoring these irregularities, however, would perpetuate corruption and betray the trust of vulnerable villagers relying on MGNREGA for their livelihood.

Questions:

a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

b) What are the core ethical issues confronting Rajesh in this situation?

c) What course of action should Rajesh adopt to navigate the situation?

Q. What are the key determinants of ethical behavior in human interactions? Discuss how understanding these determinants can help in promoting ethical conduct in public service. (150 words)

Q. "Ethical behavior is both taught and caught." Examine this statement in the context of role modeling in families and its impact on moral development. (150 words)

Q.How does mRNA technology differ from traditional vaccine approaches? Discuss its advantages and limitations in the context of emerging global health challenges. (150 words)

Q. Despite achieving high GDP growth rates, India continues to lag behind in human development indicators. Examine the reasons for this disconnect and suggest measures to ensure inclusive development. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the effectiveness of BRICS as a platform for addressing Global South concerns in international forums. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of Speaker in ensuring effective parliamentary functioning. What reforms would you suggest to strengthen this institution? (150 words)

Q. Compare the factors influencing the location of automobile industries in developed economies with those in emerging economies like India. (150 words)

Q. "The First World War marked a watershed moment in India's relationship with the British Empire, fundamentally altering both economic and political dynamics." Discuss. (250 words)

Essay Topics:

Q1.The wisdom of nature flows through forests, to lose them is to lose a part of ourselves.

Q2.The absence of war is not peace.

Case Studies

Ravi is the Director of Research and Development (R&D) at a leading pharmaceutical company. The company is on the verge of launching a new drug that has shown promising results in clinical trials. Ravi's team has been tasked with selecting a contract research organization (CRO) to conduct the final phase of trials. He notices that his sister, who runs a CRO that specializes in clinical trials, has submitted a bid for the contract.

While Ravi knows that his sister’s CRO has a good reputation, he is also aware that her company has struggled to secure contracts recently due to increased competition. Selecting her company would help her financially but could also raise concerns about nepotism and compromise the integrity of the trial process. The company's board trusts Ravi’s judgment and allows him to make the final decision.

Questions:

(a) In what ways could Ravi's personal connection to the CRO impact ethical considerations in the research process?

(b) What course of action should Ravi take?

(c) How can Ravi justify his decision?

Q.Discuss the key drivers and challenges in India's innovation ecosystem. Suggest measures to enhance the growth of the Innovation ecosystem in India. (250 words)

Q. A Universal Basic Income in India could provide a foundation for social security while reducing the complexity of the welfare state. Critically Examine. (250 words)

Q.How does the concept of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping as a "necessary but imperfect tool" reflect its role in maintaining the global peace order? What role has India played in supporting these missions? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance and challenges of Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) in India. What measures can be adopted to enhance the effectiveness of CSR in India? (250 words)

Q. "The rise of the app-based gig economy has created new forms of social stratification in urban India." Analyze this statement in the context of emerging class structures. (150 words)

Q. "Integration of princely states under Sardar Patel offers lessons for modern India's federal challenges." Analyze this statement in context of recent issues arising out of demand for regional autonomy. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering.

2. The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.

Priya Singh is an IAS officer serving as District Collector in a politically sensitive district. During a severe pandemic outbreak, her district receives a limited supply of life-saving vaccines. The official guidelines mandate prioritizing healthcare workers and elderly citizens for vaccination.

However, the local MLA, who belongs to the ruling party, demands that 40% of vaccines be diverted to his constituency for "priority distribution." He threatens to file false corruption charges against Priya if she doesn't comply. Additionally, Priya's spouse works as the MLA's personal secretary, placing her in a challenging personal situation as the MLA has been threatening her husband's job.

The dilemma intensifies when she discovers that the MLA plans to use these vaccines for political gain by distributing them only to his party workers and supporters, potentially denying access to more vulnerable citizens in other areas.

1. Identify the stakeholders involved.

2. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

3. What options are available to Priya and how should she navigate the situation?

Q. "Family remains the first school of ethics, but its role is increasingly being challenged by other social institutions." Examine the changing dynamics of moral education in contemporary society. (150 words)

Q. "Tolerance without compassion can lead to indifference." Examine this statement in the context of civil servants' responsibility towards weaker sections of society. (150 words)

Q. "Private sector participation is crucial for strengthening India's cybersecurity architecture." Analyze this statement with reference to recent initiatives and challenges. (150 words)

Q. "Urban biodiversity management is as crucial as protecting wilderness areas." In light of this statement, evaluate India's initiatives to preserve biodiversity in metropolitan areas. Cite successful examples. (250 words)

Q. How has the Red Sea crisis impacted global trade and India's maritime interests? Examine. (150 words)

Q. Examine the role of Competition Commission of India in promoting economic democracy. What challenges does it face in regulating digital markets? (250 words)

Q. "The stupa architecture of ancient India reflects not just religious beliefs but also the political and social dynamics of its time." Discuss with special reference to the stupas of Sanchi. (150 words)