Q. The India–US partnership has moved from a transactional to a transformational phase. Critically assess this evolution in the context of emerging global power shifts.(250 words)

Q. “Constitutionalism is not merely about limiting power, but about enabling good governance.” Examine how the Indian Constitution balances restraint and empowerment of the State. (150 words)

Q. How is digital technology transforming the nature of women’s participation in education and employment in India? (250 words)

Q. Discuss how the Quit India Movement marked a decisive shift in India’s freedom struggle, both politically and psychologically. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q.1.Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is. (1200 words)

Q.2.Wisdom is knowing the right path to take; integrity is taking it. (1200 words)

Case Study

Arun Mehta, an IAS officer serving as the Municipal Commissioner of a rapidly urbanising metropolitan city, is deeply concerned about the alarming rise in deaths and respiratory illnesses linked to deteriorating air quality. Recent reports from the State Pollution Control Board and a reputed medical institute reveal that particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are consistently 4–5 times higher than permissible limits, with a sharp increase in lung diseases among children and the elderly.

Despite these warnings, several influential construction firms and transport unions continue to flout dust control, emission, and waste disposal norms. When Arun proposes stricter enforcement and temporary shutdowns of polluting construction sites, he faces severe resistance from local politicians and business lobbies, who argue that such actions would “hurt development and employment.” Some media outlets label his measures as “anti-growth.”

Environmental NGOs and citizen groups urge immediate action, citing the constitutional right to a healthy environment under Article 21. At the same time, municipal employees complain of inadequate protective gear and poor coordination among departments. The state government, fearing public outrage, forms a committee to “study the issue,” delaying concrete action.

Arun must now decide whether to take strong punitive measures against violators and enforce pollution control norms strictly, or adopt a gradual approach to avoid confrontation with vested interests and political backlash. His decision will test his administrative courage, ethical conviction, and sense of duty toward public welfare.

Questions:

1. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Arun Mehta in this situation?

2. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and principles involved in this case.

3. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Arun and their likely consequences.

4. Suggest the most ethical and administratively sound course of action that balances environmental protection with developmental needs. (250 words)

Q. What does quotation convey to you in the present context?
“The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world.” — Bill Bullard (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by the term ‘crisis of conscience’? Illustrate with the help of an example from your personal or public life how you handled such a situation. (150 words)

Q.“Cloud seeding offers temporary respite from smog but cannot substitute long-term emission control.” Critically examine the viability of cloud seeding as a tool in India’s air pollution mitigation strategy. (150 words)

Q." Despite possessing substantial reserves, India’s rare earth sector remains underdeveloped." Analyse the strategic importance of rare earth minerals for India’s economic security and evaluate the key challenges hindering their optimal utilisation. (250 words)

Q. “India’s multilateralism is guided by both moral leadership and strategic pragmatism.” Discuss this duality with examples from India’s role in the SCO and BRICS. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the potential of Mission Karmayogi in transforming India’s bureaucracy from a rule-based to a role-based system. What institutional challenges could hinder its success? (250 words)

Q. A strong emphasis on state-led industrialisation and centralised planning marked the early years of independent India. Evaluate the influence of Lenin’s New Economic Policy (1921) on India’s approach to economic development and state intervention. (250 words)

Q. The Mughal era witnessed an unprecedented synthesis of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian art traditions. Examine how Mughal patronage influenced the development of the visual and performing arts in India. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q.Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.(1200 words)

Q.A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. (1200 words)

Rohit Kumar, an IPS officer serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in a northern state, has observed growing discontent among police personnel over recent promotion and posting decisions. Several officers belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) allege that they are routinely sidelined for key operational posts and denied timely promotions, despite meritorious service records. Officers from certain social backgrounds are often given preference for influential postings in urban and sensitive districts, even when more qualified officers are available.

An internal complaint by the SC/ST Officers’ Association highlights patterns of bias in performance evaluation reports (APARs), where subtle prejudice is reflected in lower gradings. The association petitions Rohit to take action and ensure fair representation. However, when Rohit raises the issue in departmental meetings, senior officers advise him to “avoid stirring caste matters” and maintain institutional unity. Some even warn that pursuing the issue could affect his career progression and invite political backlash.

The state government, facing public scrutiny after recent media reports on caste-based bias in police postings, issues a statement promising an internal inquiry. However, there are attempts to downplay the issue as “misunderstandings” rather than systemic discrimination. Meanwhile, affected officers feel demoralised and consider approaching the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

As a senior officer, Rohit is expected to uphold constitutional values of equality and justice while maintaining institutional discipline and administrative efficiency. The situation demands a careful balance between ensuring fairness in personnel management and preserving organizational stability.

Questions :

A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rohit Kumar in this situation?

B. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and principles involved in this case.

C. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Rohit and their likely consequences.

D. Suggest the most ethical and administratively sound course of action Rohit should take to ensure fairness and institutional integrity.

Q. What does quotation convey to you in the present context?
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke (150 words)

Q. “In the theatre of global politics, morality is often the first casualty.”Analyse the ethical dilemmas faced by nations when strategic interests conflict with humanitarian responsibilities. Illustrate with recent examples. (150 words)

Q. “The rise of AI-generated content has intensified the threat of misinformation and deepfakes.” Critically evaluate India’s efforts to ensure responsible digital governance. (250 words)

Q.“India’s startup ecosystem is dynamic but lacks future readiness.” Critically examine. (250 words)

Q.“Engagement without formal recognition” sums up India’s approach to the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan. Critically examine this policy in terms of India’s security, economic and ethical interests. (250 words)

Q.“Despite being the ‘pharmacy of the world’, India lacks a robust paediatric drug regulatory framework.”Critically analyse the challenges in ensuring safety, quality, and ethical standards in medicines intended for children in India. (150 words)

Q. The proposed Demographic Mission aims to shift focus from population control to population optimisation in India. Critically analyse its prospects and policy imperatives. (250 words)

Q. Trace the spatial distribution of the world’s offshore petroleum basins and explain the geological and environmental factors influencing their formation. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q. Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good. (1200 words)

Q. Mutual assured destruction is a paradox: it guarantees peace by guaranteeing destruction. (1200 words)

In a tragic incident, more than twenty children in a state district lost their lives after consuming a widely used cough syrup later found to be adulterated. Dr Ananya, a senior health officer posted in the state’s Drug Control Department, has been tasked with investigating the matter and ensuring accountability.

As she delves into records, she uncovers alarming lapses in drug testing protocols, delayed inspections, and collusion between some local distributors and manufacturers. Parents and civil society groups are demanding immediate disclosure of investigation reports, punitive action against responsible parties, and systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.

Meanwhile, the state health department is under immense political pressure to manage public outrage and contain negative media coverage. Some senior officials subtly advise Dr Ananya to “handle the matter quietly” to avoid reputational damage to the government and influential stakeholders, warning that strict enforcement may jeopardise her career.

Junior officers involved in sample testing and reporting express fear of harassment, transfers, or legal consequences if they fully disclose the facts. At the same time, courts have taken suo motu cognisance, and multiple PILs have been filed seeking transparency in the investigation, compensation for affected families, and reforms in drug safety oversight.

Questions:

A. What ethical dilemmas confront Dr Ananya in this scenario?

B.  Evaluate the options available to her and their potential consequences.

C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Dr Ananya based on balancing administrative responsibility and citizen welfare.

D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to strengthen drug safety oversight.

Q. What does quotation convey to you in the present context?
“We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet.” – Swami Vivekananda. (150 words)

Q. “Moral absolutism can lead to rigidity, while moral relativism may justify injustice. A balance between the two is essential in ethical decision-making.”Justify with suitable illustration. (150 words)

Q. The Indian Ocean is emerging as the strategic heartland of the 21st century. Discuss the evolving maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and evaluate India’s preparedness to safeguard its strategic interests. (250 words)

Q. While mining drives economic growth and industrial development, it simultaneously threatens ecological balance. Examine how mining activities contribute to environmental degradation and suggest sustainable strategies to minimise their adverse impacts. (150 words)